#29 FOR REAL

Indoor Rock Climbing

Ever since I attended orientation with my dad at Baylor, I knew I wanted to climb The Rock before I graduated. I talked about it with my friend Kristen, but never did it. We had made a list of things we wanted to do in Waco/at college before we graduated. *Hahaha, Are you seeing a trend in my personality?* At any rate time passed and the list was forgotten, maybe tossed aside to make room for parties & other college activities. Graduation came & went without a single attempt to climb. I knew if I was going to do it, I had to put it on my 30 Under 30 list. Ryan & I went down for the Baylor vs OU game (which we WON!!!!) and I took the opportunity to tackle The Rock!! Ryan was an excellent photographer since he had no desire to actually climb.

They lent me shoes. I always wondered about that!

"Kurt" from Glee was explaining what to do...

...I was making sure I understood.

I was reassured that this knot could hold an elephant. What was he implying?!?!

Here I go!

I was done at this point. The older I get the more I like being on the ground. I made it pretty far for my first time climbing!

Coming down was my favorite part!

So I finally conquered The Rock! I'm glad I was able to accomplish this.

The Rock

Here are some facts about The Rock, that I pulled off of Baylor's website

The Rock


- 52 feet

- Tallest free-standing climbing structure in Texas

- Bouldering, top-rope, and lead-climbing

- Instructional courses from beginner to advanced

This is before they added the grips & tape

#28

Take at least 1 picture of Ryan & I every month


Mark this as complete! My main goal was to have different pictures to chose from when I went to pick our Christmas Card pics and to document what we did throughout the year. I did it, now to print & organize them.... ha! I've printed all my pictures up to April 2011. That's not bad, considering prior to that I hadn't printed pictures since our wedding 5 years ago. My goal is really to print them every month so I don't get behind...maybe next year!

#25 For Real!

Find a facility & start volunteering for the Delta Society with Nickel


So this one has 2 parts. I can't volunteer without finding a facility & I couldn't find a facility without becoming a member of the Delta Hearts of Gold chapter of the Delta Society. Maybe I should explain how we got involved with this in the first place. When Nickel was in obedience school, he did such a great job that the instructor recommended we get certified in the Delta Society so we can go to nursing homes, schools or hospitals to visit with people. Studies have shown that pet partners have such a positive impact on the people they visit, that I wanted to share sweet Nickel with everyone! Here's where you can get more information http://www.deltasociety.org/ about what it is & how to become a Pet Partner. So...Nickel & I went and tested in 2009. He passed & was cleared to visit one on one or small groups. He doesn't like large or loud groups, so this was perfect for him! We never did anything with the certification and it expires in March 2013, so I thought this is the year to get it together!! I joined the local chapter & was mentored on where to go and how it works on a visit. I went to Luella Marrett Elementary School without Nickel to watch another Pet Partner read with 3rd graders. The kids were so cute & it was neat to see hear stories of how they had improved.

Our first visit as a Pet Partners team was to James L West Alzheimer's Center . The normal visit is about 30-45 minutes. Mike, one of the employees, gave us a tour & walked us around introducing Nickel & I to some of the residents. Mike said Nickel did so well that we stayed for an hour and a half visiting each wing. Nickel was exhausted, but loved getting so much attention & treats from everyone! We are scheduled to go every Wednesday afternoon after Thanksgiving! Yay! Also, I went ahead & scheduled Nickel's evaluation in December so we can go ahead with our new certification.

#19...appealed

Go Camping

While I thought I could go ahead & mark this one complete, Terri & Paige appealed it! What?!! Terri has travel trailer and thinks that would count as a more reasonable camping trip. So, the 3 of us are camping in her driveway in the travel trailer sometime soon. HA!! More details to come!

#16 FINISHED!

Read the One Year Bible

Ok, so I thought I could breeze through this since I'm a somewhat fast reader. NOPE!! I did read it fast considering when I started, but I forgot how long the Bible is. We read Daniel, Collosians & Job in church this year, so I didn't reread those. I know we did more, but that's what I actually remembered. I will admit, some of the Old Testament books did get skimmed over but I think that's ok.

I consider myself very lucky that I went to a Christian school growing up and we had a Bible class every year. In 7th grade I had Patti Weaver as my Bible teacher (I think it was 7th grade) and as I was reading through the Old Testament several of her lessons came back to me. My favorite was when the Israelites had to wonder through the desert & rely on God for everything. In class we hiked around campus and were so tired (Well I think Allison & I were exaggerating how far it really was, since it was the same path we had to run in cheerleading...I guess we were trying to feel like the Israelites! We even made up a song, but that's for another time). Mrs. Weaver had place some chips randomly on the path to represent the manna that God faithfully provided. I remember thinking what a fun surprise that was & how God continued to "surprise" the Israelites by providing for them. It's easy for me to read about their journey and say, "Well of course God is going to provide for them. How can they trust him one minute but not the next?" when this is something that I do on a regular basis. Being in real estate, I've learned that I cannot control what or how people react and their responses. If I could, man I'd be rich! I have learned and am continually learning that God has a plan & whatever is meant to be will happen despite what hurdles we are faced with.

#6...again

Take a Cooking Class

Our church offers a cooking class series for women. I'm in Betty Kilpatrick's class and Cathy is one of her helpers in the kitchen. It's so much fun! Betty is a phenomenal chef and I love getting ideas and recipes from her. Cathy got to share her acorn squash recipe, which is my birthday favorite! I love thinking that by sharing these recipes with each other that other families will have traditions and memories made around our class. We only meet 3 times per 6 months, so we're already finished. I think I'll sign up again. The recipe that I'm most excited about is the turkey! I can't wait to try it out .

#12 take 3

hahaha, yes there's a third painting party. Jill & I had a Living Social coupon to paint at Let's Art Party. We went the night before it expired & the class was packed! We didn't have time to eat before we went, so we had a pizza delivered to the studio!

Here's my finished project! There were no straight lines, so of course I loved it!

Here it is hanging (a little crooked) in my Dining Room.

This was someone else's in the class. I loved his colors!

I think Jill took some more pictures with her camera. This was a fun item on my 30 under 30 list, but I think 3 "Original Stef's" are all that will be in my collection! 

#12 take 2

Paint a Painting

I know I've already done this once, but I was invited to another party. A title company & a mortgage company invited a few realtors to a happy hour/painting party. I went with my friend, Anne who is also a realtor & we had a BLAST!

Here's my finished project! It's the FW Skyline. I think it turned out better than my cactus!

Josh & I were in competition...I won! You can see me in the background deciding what I need next...ha!

# 7changed!

Cook a whole chicken/turkey is now... Take a day trip to Canton with a friend!

I've always heard great things about the shopping in Canton & have always wanted to go. Anne & I took a day this past week & made the trip. It took about an hour & a half to get there, which wasn't bad. Luckily Anne had been before & knew which vendors were the best. I didn't buy a lot of Christmas presents, which I was expecting to do, but that's ok! I soaked it all up & will plan another trip (or 2) next year!

I decided this was a good one over Cook a whole chicken/turkey b/c I always buy the rotisserie chickens at Costco. They are amazing!! Why would I want to change something that good? As for the turkey, I'm sure I will help out Ryan's mom this year at Thanksgiving, but we never host Thanksgiving so I don't have anything to worry about!

#24

Leave my 20's in Style..... I think I'm acheiving this one! Once my bday has come & gone I'll elaborate more.

October Recap

1 month left at this point!! Things are starting to come together.

Here's my recap:

1. Run a 5k

2. Sew a button on & it stays

3. Blog about 30 under 30

4. Eat Indian Food

5. Master 3 or 4 Greek dishes – Saganki, Passtiso & Moussaka, Baklava

6. Take a cooking class

7. Cook a whole chicken/turkey

8. Plant/grow tomatoes

9. Host a formal dinner party

10. Have a murder mystery dinner party - Scheduled for December 2nd

11. Host a family holiday

12. Paint a painting

13. Make & Paint pottery

14. Get more involved in the community

15. Learn/invest in the stock market

16. Read the One Year Bible - About 80% complete. This will be a close one!

17. Go camping   Second trip scheduled for November 19th

18. Decide on a hair color

19. Plan & take a cheap weekend getaway

20. Sell $6 million in RE in 2011 – I have some closings set up for November & December and more clients that may be making offers. I will fall short of my goal, but am doing what I need to do to meet this goal next year.

21. Pay off HH Loans - We've paid off about half, but this will hopefully get done by June of 2012.

22. Get my Broker’s license

23. Get CRS Designation

24. Leave my 20's in style

25. Find a facility & start volunteering for the Delta Society with Nickel - 1st session is November 18th

26. Hang a light fixture

27. Add curb appeal to our house

28. Take at least 1 picture of RH & I every month

Happy Halloween!

29. Indoor rock climbing - Scheduled for November 19th at Baylor

30. Learn to sew a quilt & apron with Michelle & Jenica

#3

Blog about my progress

Once I make time to blog, I actually enjoy it...especially since I have a horrible memory. I would probably blog more if I could do it directly from my phone. I know there's a way, but I haven't figured it out yet. So if you have any tips, I'd love them! I'm marking this one off my list, b/c I am blogging about my progress even if it's not as often as I'd like.

I think I'm going to make a book about my 30 Under 30 with my blog posts & pictures. That would be fun!

#12

Paint a Painting

Jenica had her 30th birthday party at A Piece of Work and we painted a Fleur de Lis. I am not a painter AT ALL, but I was still excited to give it a try. That is until I had to put the brush to the canvas. I was a little (ok, a lot) stressed out. Typically perfectionists & painting don't go very well together. I was hoping for a paint by numbers or draw it with a pencil & then paint activity, NOPE....it was all free hand and you start with a white blank canvas. If it wasn't for the instructor or Michelle fixing my painting it would not have turned out as well! I had a great time celebrating Jencia, but I don't think I'll take up painting as a hobby.

Here are some pictures of our fun night:

 

I got these pictures off of FB so they're a little blurry. It's ok, my Fleur de Lis isn't awesome. I think it looks like a cactus! All in all I had so much fun. But, good thing I'm not wanting to become a full time painter.

Curb Appeal Update

We made it through the summer without killing anything! I've added orange flowers for a pop of fall color.

Here's a side view before a planted the orange mums. Everything has grown since we planted it!

A close up of my roses

#14

Take A Self Defense Class...Is now....

Get More Involved in the Community

I have pepper spray and know to kick the mean boys in the shins. Plus I'm running out of time & becoming more involved in the community was how I've been spending my time. This is a great way to give back and also meet new people who may need to buy or sell their house in the future, plus I LOVE meeting new people & going to parties! In college I made it a point to meet as many people as possible, to the point that my socializing interfered with my grades. I kept reminding my dad that it's not what you know, it's who you know. While that's true to a certain extent, I'm a firm believer that no one will take you seriously if you aren't competent in your profession. Because I take my career seriously, I've learned the market where I sell and have been referred to as an expert in Tarrant & Parker counties and because of that many past clients have sent referrals.

Michelle and another BU alum asked me to be on the board for the Baylor Women's Council of Tarrant County, so I'm now the Parliamentarian.

Terri asked Paige & I to be on the board for the Cowtown Marathon this year. We accepted and will be co-chairs of something. Yikes!

I'm still serving as VP of Communications for the Southwest Christian School Alumni Association.

Junior League Christmas in Cowtown Ticket Sales & Distribution committee has been my favorite so far! I LOVED the girls I worked with and had a blast selling tickets & welcoming people to Christmas in Cowtown.

The FW Board of Realtors has different committees, so I'm now on the Technology committee. I made the mistake of telling them I used to teach, so now I will be teaching some tech classes to other realtors at the board. I think I'll like it though! I miss teaching, well not enough to go back.

Nickel & I are about to start our mentoring sessions for the Delta Society at nursing homes.

Ryan & I are in Barnaby which is a social club that has several parties throughout the year, Baylor Alumni Association that has a few events, active at McKinney Memorial Bible Church and have recently joined Historic Fort Worth, Inc.

Whew, it's been a busy summer!

August & September Recap/Update

I didn't get anything officially marked off the list, but these two months have been so busy. August started with Erika, Sam & Melissa coming to visit. I was Aunt PapPap for a week and had so much fun!! I think it may be more fun to be the aunt than the mom. There wasn't anything Sam wanted that he didn't get when he came to stay. We went swimming & shopping (of course Sam got some awesome new camo Toms) and just hung out. It was great being with two of my best friends. I miss them so much! Here are some pictures:

And my favorite:

Yes, I know, I already wore this dress in other pictures :) I didn't do a lot of shopping this summer.

Ok, so while Erika & Melissa were here I switched companies to Williams Trew. It was a difficult decision but I think this will help get me to where I want to be in my work goals. I'm so thankful I have such supportive friends. It was very hard when they left this time.

The rest of these two months were filled with a fun wedding, settling into my new office, and Baylor Football games.

The Mariachi Band at Katy & Dillon's wedding

Some of the groomsmen & their wives

After the BU vs TCU game. It was so hot!

You can see more of my Baylor Football games here at The Year of the Bear

Some friends invited to a Camo Chic Party at the FW Club benefitting The Ronald McDonald House. We had a blast! I forgot to take a picture while we were there, but here's one once we got home

Um, yeah...Ryan didn't want to take a picture so he held up his shirt. What a shame, we were dressed fancy!
Here's my new desk before it gets messy:

Here's our September picture -



July Recap

Wow, tomorrow marks 4 months until my birthday! This year has gone so fast!!

Here's my recap:

1. Run a 5k

2. Sew a button on & it stays

3. Blog about 30 under 30 - post pics & update my progress - so far so good.

4. Eat Indian Food

5. Master 3 or 4 Greek dishes – Saganki, Passtiso & Moussaka, Baklava

6. Take a cooking class

7. Cook a whole chicken/turkey

8. Plant/grow tomatoes

9. Host a formal dinner party

10. Have a murder mystery dinner party

11. Host a family holiday

12. Paint a painting – STILL need to pick which day I'm going.

13. Make & Paint pottery

14. Take a self defense class

15. Learn/invest in the stock market

16. Read the One Year Bible - On day 179! I've made a lot of progress.

17. Go camping

18. Take a road trip by flipping a coin

19. Plan & take a cheap weekend getaway

20. Sell $6 million in RE in 2011 – Gearing up for a big fall!

21. Pay off HH Loans - Scheduled to pay off a chunk in June, we haven't done it yet. Oops!

22. Get my Broker’s license

23. Get CRS Designation

24. Leave my 20's in style - so far I'm having a blast!

25. Find a facility & start volunteering for the Delta Society with Nickel - in process

26. Hang a light fixture

27. Add curb appeal to our house

28. Take at least 1 picture of RH & I every month - so far so good. Here's July's:

It's very dark, but it was on our anniversary weekend trip.

29. Indoor rock climbing

30. Learn to sew a quilt & apron with Michelle & Jenica


I have 10 items left & 4 months!! I'm 2/3 of the way there.

#30b

Sew an Apron with Michelle & Jenica


Ok, I'm HOOKED to sewing! I LOVE my new apron & wear it almost every night when I make dinner. I'm not the best at it, but loved the process! I can't wait for my own sewing machine. I'll let the pictures walk you through how we made it:

 Halfway point!

 Ryan's stinky feet!

The finished project!

 Fred has the cone of shame!